As if the Elise Cup 220 wasn’t enough, the cup is now filled to the brim in the form of the Elise Cup 250. Less weight, more power – you know the formula.

Lotus has taken out 21kg of weight by measures such as adding carbonfibre seats and a lighter battery and lightweight forged alloys. To go in tandem with that they added 26bhp to the 1.8-litre four-pot engine. It now has 240bhp, which is the same as the Elise Cup R, which is a car purely for the track.

The vehicle now weighs 931kg, and the more aerodynamic body provides 66kg of downforce at 100mph. You can add an option of the Carbon Aero pack, which reduces the weight by another 10kg and adds in things like a rear diffuser and front splitter in carbonfibre.

Underneath things remain much as they were in the 220, with motorsport-derived suspension and braking.

There is also a new performance management system that gives a Sport mode so that you can increase throttle response, reduce traction slip and take out understeer recognition until things get really out of control.

Inside, not that there is a lot of inside, you have full Alcantara trim in red or black although there is the option of a Leather Pack for those carbonfibre seats and trim. Carpets and sound insulation are optional extras. We dare you to ask for them.

The Lotus Elise Cup 250 is a roadster of course, but you can specify a hard top. Prices start at £45,600 when deliveries begin in April.